Scores by sport

The Sacred Heart girls track and field team took one step closer to its first state outdoor title Monday night, outscoring runner-up McMain, 126-66.

Field MVP of the Meet Ellie Silvia is one of the distance powerhouse’s secret weapons. The Cardinal won titles in the javelin and high jump. Though some complained about the wind’s effects on performance, Silvia did not notice any ill effects other than lengthening the meet time.

“In high jump, the bar fell off [due to wind] like three times so it made everything take a lot longer. Maybe that should have made me more nervous but it didn’t,” she said. “In some ways, the wind helps carry [the javelin] farther but I don’t think it helped anyone.”

The sophomore will defend her state high jump title next weekend. She’s not sure what her competition in 3A looks like, but the unknown is her preference.

“I didn’t know anyone here either,” she said. “I go in making sure that I do my best and hopefully that will win. The goal is to win state [as a team] and the only way to do that is to perform our best.”

Senior Aleia Hobbs, Track MVP Athlete of the Meet, scored 40 of runner-up McMain’s 66 total points. The LSU signee raced on the 400 and 800-meter relays while picking up individual wins in the 100 and 200 meter dashes. Her 24.47-second performance in the 200 meters avenged her loss last week to Shannon Ray of Drexel.

Chronic hamstring pain has kept her off the track since last week’s district championship, but Hobbs says she is feeling optimistic for state.

The top three individuals and relay teams in each event qualify for the LHSAA State Outdoor Track and Field Championship next Saturday, May 10 at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge.